Sri Hazur Sahib Nanded

Sri Hazur Sahib Nanded commonly referred to as Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib is one of the five takhts of the temporal centers of power in Sikhism. This fort was constructed by the famous ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the beginning of the nineteenth century. 

This is a significant place for the tenth Guru of the Sikhs who died here, and here he gave the final authority to the Guru Granth Sahib, saying that the Sikhs must look at the holy book as their Guru. Sri Hazur Sahib is not only a religious shrine, but also an important site for every follower of Sikhism and history lover as well from all over the world. 

Suggested Tour: Hemkund Sahib Tour

General Information (Sri Hazur Sahib Nanded)

Respect for the Gurudwara 

Dress Code: Dress modestly and conservatively. Men and women should not reveal their legs or shoulders. Do not wear short pants, short sleeved blouses, shirts or clothes that expose too much of your skin. 

Head Covering: Before entering the gurdwara, you are required to take off your shoes and cover your heads. For males, they prefer to wear a handkerchief or turban and females prefer a scarf or dupatta. These garments are usually provided at the entrance; however, you can also bring your own headgear. 

Footwear 

Shoes: Sneakers and any other kind of shoes are prohibited in the gurdwara compound and anyone who wishes to enter the holy place must leave the shoes outside. There are specific hosiery stores and places close to the door where you can deposit the shoes. It is clean to wash the hands and the feet before joining the prayer hall. 

Cleanliness 

Hygiene: Personal cleanliness is important. Some of the customs followed include, people are supposed to wash their hands and feet before they are allowed in. A large number of Gurdwaras have the provision of washing stations or taps for this specific purpose only. 

Suggested Tour: Panj Takht Sahib Tour

Religious Practices 

Langar (Community Kitchen)

Participation: The practice of sharing food is another major practice in Sikhism where people, regardless of their status in society are welcome to be served at a free kitchen known as langar. Eating in the langar is strictly a non-elitist and communal affair. 

Service: People also help in preparing food, serving, washing dishes and utensils in the langar kitchen which is part of the practice of doing Sewa. 

Prayers and Ceremonies

Daily Prayers:  Go to the Gurudwara and listen to the daily prayers and other ceremonies like path (reciting from Guru Granth Sahib), Kirtan (singing of hymns), Ardas (supplication). These ceremonies are performed at certain moments of the day. 

Etiquette:  In prayers, sit with legs crossed on the floor and have your head covered. Do not sit with your feet directed towards the Guru Granth Sahib as this is looked upon as a taboo. 

Offerings

Donations: Donations are not mandatory, but small cash deposits, food items or any kind of items for the preparation of the langar can be contributed. Besides, the donation boxes are generally fixed within the interior of the gurudwara. 

Suggested Tour: Punjab Gurudwara Tour

Travel and Accommodation (Sri Hazur Sahib Nanded)

Travel Arrangements 

Getting There: Transportation in Nanded is by air, rail, and road. Nanded Airport or Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport is the nearest airport which is approximately 10 kilometers away from the gurudwara. Being a railway station, Nanded has direct rail links to various other cities in the country. 

Local Transport: The means of local transport are auto-rickshaw, taxi and buses are available for moving around. The gurudwara complex is in the central part of the city thus enabling many people to access the place easily. 

Accommodation 

Staying at the Gurudwara: This shrine also has facilities for sheltering pilgrims and this is evident by the name Sri Hazur Sahib. Comforts are basic but the rooms are clean and tidy as it is observed that rooms are not very large, but adequate and functional. It is advisable to make an early booking especially during the high-end travel occasions. 

Hotels and Guesthouses: Being a city, there are many hotels and guest houses in Nanded that can be availed as per the budget of the customer. It is recommended to make a booking beforehand especially when targeting the festive seasons. 

Suggested Tour: Sri Kartarpur Sahib Tour

Best Time to Visit 

Festivals

Special Occasions: It is especially enjoyable to visit during the occasions such as Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, Baisakhi, and Diwali. The gurudwara is very pleasing to the eye and during these occasions there are specific programs and rituals that are organized. 

Crowds: Again, these festivals are popular events and you will find yourself in large crowds of people, and thus a rather active area. 

Weather

Climate Considerations: Nanded witnesses the summer season from March to June and the temperature goes as high as 40°C (104°F). To be more specific, winters are relatively comfortable with the average temperature between 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) during November to February.

Moderate to heavy rain occurs in the monsoon season which is from July to September. Based on the kind of weather you enjoy, arrange for your visit to the park during that time. 

Suggested Tour: Damdama Sahib with Golden Temple

Etiquette and Safety (Sri Hazur Sahib Nanded)

Sanctity and Respect 

Behavior:  As you are inside the gurudwara, ensure that you do not make a lot of noise, and you are not rude. There is a need to discourage activities such as speaking loudly, the use of mobile phones, or even taking pictures within the prayer hall. 

Attention: One should respect all directions and indications, which are provided in the gurudwara complex. There is no better guide to the worshiper’s etiquette than emulating the practices performed by other ordinary worshippers as and when you are in doubt. 

Security Checks 

Screening: Security checks might be performed at the entrance and one should be ready for them. Obey the instructions of security personnel and work hand in hand with them. These aspects are applicable to guarantee the safety of each individual who will be visiting the facility. 

Health Precautions 

Hydration: Do drink a lot of water as a lot of water usually evaporates in the region especially when you are there during the hot summer season. Take a water bottle with you and ensure that you take many fluids. 

Medication: If any health issues are present, do not forget personal medications needed to manage the conditions. To be candid, the compound of the gurudwara is fairly well tended but it is always safer to take a few personal hygienic measures.